In the days that followed, stacks of proofs piled high upon her desk, and Ismerie's work grew heavy and unrelenting.
The lords of the northern branch had at first dismissed her as too young and slight, until she stripped rank and office from those who had betrayed their trust, and brought them to answer for it. Only then did fear take hold. Attacks came more often, too... three attempts in a single night.
At last, Leontis sought her out, his voice thick with dread.
"Ismerie... even with the Chairman's seal, this is too great a risk. You tear down so many at once, and all order here will unravel."
Ismerie stood unmoved. "It will unravel far more if I do nothing. The folk below have long carried too heavy a weight. Before we came, whole bands of workers had already marched in protest,
